Pipefitter in New Hampshire: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
New Hampshire employs 1,950 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $66,810 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Hampshire licensing picture, and where to train.
What Pipefitters Earn in New Hampshire (May 2025)
- New Hampshire median pay
- $66,810 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,850
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $77,080
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $87,730
- Employed in New Hampshire
- 1,950
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,970 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major New Hampshire markets:
- Boston
- $96,760 (9,200 employed)
- Manchester
- $67,690 (660 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Hampshire
Prices in New Hampshire run about 4% above the national average (cost-of-living index 104.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $66,810 median is worth closer to $64,117 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Hampshire (2024–2034)
New Hampshire is projected to grow pipefitters employment +4.6%, about in line with the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 240 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Hampshire License and Certification Requirements
No separate pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship (gas/plumbing scopes need OPLC license) — regulated by the No standalone New Hampshire pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing/gas-scope work via OPLC).
- Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
- Complete on-the-job training plus related instruction.
- Note: gas-fitting and plumbing-scope work require OPLC licensing in New Hampshire.
Training in New Hampshire
High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping. New Hampshire's manufacturing and institutional construction drive demand.
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want strong union wages and enjoy precision mechanical work in industrial or commercial settings.
Think twice if: Industrial job sites, confined spaces, and working with high-pressure systems sound dangerous rather than interesting.
Why it's resilient: Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.
First Steps
Contact UA (United Association) Local pipefitter apprenticeship programs in your area — separate from plumber apprenticeships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pipefitters make in New Hampshire?
The median wage for pipefitters in New Hampshire is $66,810 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,850, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $87,730. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in New Hampshire?
No separate pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship (gas/plumbing scopes need OPLC license), overseen by the No standalone New Hampshire pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing/gas-scope work via OPLC). Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
Is being a Pipefitter a good career in New Hampshire?
Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.
Which New Hampshire metros pay pipefitters the most?
Among New Hampshire metro areas, Boston leads at $96,760, followed by Manchester ($67,690). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Is Pipefitter a growing career in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire projects pipefitters employment to change +4.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 240 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New Hampshire statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No standalone New Hampshire pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing/gas-scope work via OPLC) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET New Hampshire wages · New Hampshire licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.